Razzler dazzles Pakistan back to life

Pakistan fans have been feeling like punching bags, taking one heavy blow after another. A few have even revoked their support of the national team, although true fans wouldn't do that, would they? Admittedly it has been hard mustering enthusiasm for Pakistan's cricket and its cricketers. Shorn of its best bowlers, depleted of batsmen of any substance, and betrayed by butter-fingered fielders, the Pakistan cricket team has cut a pathetic figure across the globe. A previously uplifting pursuit, replaced by the upper-cuts received by a punching bag.

Enter Abdul 'Razzler' Razzaq, a prime specimen in the tragedy of Pakistan cricket, a player of rare ability and a victim of wanton neglect. Razzler's thunderous century against South Africa in Abu Dhabi came at a moment when even the most hardened supporters had begun to despair. Was there anything of merit or joy in the current Pakistan team?

In 2006, I watched a Pakistan practice session in London. Bob Woolmer was beginning to grapple with the technical issues in Kamran Akmal's glovework. Waqar Younis was overseeing the endeavours of the pace bowlers. Eventually Shahid Afridi and Abdul Razzaq emerged, side by side in the practice nets. What followed was not entirely professional although it was great viewing. Afridi annd Razzaq embarked on a spontaneous competition to smite the bowlers as far as possible. My money was on Afridi but the Razzler won by a clear distance. On form, no ground can hold his power and we were reminded yesterday of his rare ability to hit far, hard, and handsome wherever the ball lands.

Go back further to 1999 and Razzaq is Pakistan's No. 3 in the World Cup final at Lord's. He is a mere teenager facing Australia, the strongest team in the world. Pakistan lose, of course, and Razzaq does nothing special but in the tournament he has done enough to suggest an allrounder of genuine substance has been unearthed.

Over a decade later Razzaq's career has really gone nowhere other than some memorable cameos against India and Australia. Some blame rests at Razzaq's door, for a bowling career that waned before it even waxed and no real progression from his block or blast approach. Sanjay Manjrekar revealed on Twitter that Inzamam-ul Haq, Razzaq's frequent captain, described him as only having a first and a fourth gear.

Yet Razzaq is a perfect example of how the Pakistan Cricket Board has failed to develop cricketers for over a decade, and he is one of the most high-profile victims. Players of genuine ability keep emerging but their transition into resolute international cricketers never occurs. That transition has at least two pre-requisites. First, a country's cricket structure from domestic cricket to international cricket must have coaching systems that are capable of overseeing that development. Second, and perhaps most importantly, there has to be some logic and consistency about national selection policy.

It is this second point that Razzaq himself has identified as the curse of his career. "I always play a match as if it is my last," he says. Uncertainty creates insecurity, and a distracted player will struggle to perform optimally at the highest level. The Pakistan Cricket Board needs to take note.

Now Razzaq has shown that he has something special to offer Pakistan cricket as a match-turning batsman in limited overs cricket. How often that happens will have as much to do with his temperament as with the policies of the PCB. As a batsman Razzaq could play another five years, perhaps more? Anybody who watched Razzaq's desert blitz will have been thrilled and bemused in equal measure, bemused at how that natural ability has been squandered.

But most of all, Pakistan fans will be grateful to the Razzler for unexpectedly lifting their spirits and reminding them of why they love their team in the first place. Let's hope Razzler's dazzle also lifts the team to halt a dangerous decline in its cricket. We've all had enough of being punching bags.

The dazzlers have done wonders for Pakistan cricket, but only far and few. There was a time when we had the best record of runs in the last ten overs. Not any more. The innings is commendable for winning a match, which was all but lost. It has happened before but, are we waiting for such miracles to win matches, rather than performing to the best of their abilities, and fighting it out. Not just one or two but all the matches.
The team was about to raise its head when the spot fixing scandal hit them like a Tsunami... The loss of Asif and Amir is going to hurt us most. The attack, minus these two, looks toothless and rather impotent. The new boys on the block, though look fairly talented, yet will take time to learn the tricks of the trade.
The best thing is that, the team is willing to perform and is willing to accept Misbah as the man in charge, as they are all struggling to cement their places for long. But still, its a good omen and their biggest strength is their ability to fight.

saadjarral
on December 5, 2010, 17:00 GMT

Abdul razzaq is one of the best one day player and he is also a fine person but i don't know why he was not in the 2007 t20 world cup any good reason behind that i don't think so. and he had scored 50 from 21 balls before 1st t20 world cup

saadjarral
on December 5, 2010, 16:52 GMT

hi

Geo
on November 7, 2010, 13:23 GMT

when will Afrisi learn ?

Irfan
on November 4, 2010, 13:59 GMT

Individual performances like this always takes away the focus from our main problems. In the end Pakistan won the match! Hehaw! Were they ever close to winning it had it not been for Razzak? Naw. Dismal performance otherwise. And it's gonna get swept under the rug too. So I understand that Shahzaib is failing but 'parchi' opener Farhat hasn't done anything. Allow Asad Shafiq to play at one down and not an opener. Experimenting is not going to allow him to settle down. That idiot Afridi knows no other way then to boom boom regardless of the situation. I guess his brain which goes "hit, hit, hit" is incapable of realizing that he is the team Captain. After a career spanning over a generation one hopes he knows that not every ball can be hit. His batting pretty much sums up the total approach of the team; which is 'lack of planning'.

Khuram Khan
on November 4, 2010, 6:14 GMT

The team was selected prematuarly and the results are there to see.Lack of physical abilities and fitness is writ allover.Then comes ability to pierce the field.This requires technique and practice.This inability of Asad,Farhat and Fawad cost us the match.Afridi does not inspire as a leader.Mentally he is apparently not in the game otherwise he would have had a more serious approach when he came to bat.Asad Shafique does not have the class to play at this level.Wicket keeper uses his mouth more than his legs and needs to be advised.Runouts could have been avoided if players had resorted to dives when needed.Our fielders not once hit the stumps.This was pathetic.

ram
on November 3, 2010, 18:44 GMT

South africa is the best team for past several years.

Cannot say what is lacking to get on Top.!!!

Will some comment?

Vish
on November 3, 2010, 16:00 GMT

@Amir: Many Pak fans are claiming that their team is the most attractive and can turn around from nowhere. Let's looks at Sri Lanka at the moment. Just now, they defeated Australia in one of the most stunning comeback in the recent times. Shall we call Sri Lanka the "most attractive" now? Come on guys -- Cricket is a unpredictable game, and winning once in a while doesn't make Pakistan the most "most attractive" team.

Muhammad Saidul Haque
on November 3, 2010, 6:19 GMT

Assalamulaikum Kamran vhai, please tell mr. Afridi that South African team should & must not be ignored/avoided & underestimated everywhere. The SA are totally balanced in every department. Everyday does not belong to Abdul Razaaq. Saied Ajmal should be rested for remaining last two matches due to out of his sorrowed form. Abdur Rehman must be included in replaced over Ajmal definitely. Be realistic mr. Afridi---- you know very well about your team batting depth, winning the toss at the 3rd match, Afridi should had taken batting firstly because of different pitch condition way saying that from previous 2nd. match. Please, Afridi, never underestimate the South Africans .

muzz
on November 2, 2010, 21:47 GMT

lethargic running today 2 run and lost by 2 runs think about it guys. is is a good job there is no drinking in dubai

Tahir Masood Sandhu
on December 8, 2010, 2:05 GMT

The dazzlers have done wonders for Pakistan cricket, but only far and few. There was a time when we had the best record of runs in the last ten overs. Not any more. The innings is commendable for winning a match, which was all but lost. It has happened before but, are we waiting for such miracles to win matches, rather than performing to the best of their abilities, and fighting it out. Not just one or two but all the matches.
The team was about to raise its head when the spot fixing scandal hit them like a Tsunami... The loss of Asif and Amir is going to hurt us most. The attack, minus these two, looks toothless and rather impotent. The new boys on the block, though look fairly talented, yet will take time to learn the tricks of the trade.
The best thing is that, the team is willing to perform and is willing to accept Misbah as the man in charge, as they are all struggling to cement their places for long. But still, its a good omen and their biggest strength is their ability to fight.

saadjarral
on December 5, 2010, 17:00 GMT

Abdul razzaq is one of the best one day player and he is also a fine person but i don't know why he was not in the 2007 t20 world cup any good reason behind that i don't think so. and he had scored 50 from 21 balls before 1st t20 world cup

saadjarral
on December 5, 2010, 16:52 GMT

hi

Geo
on November 7, 2010, 13:23 GMT

when will Afrisi learn ?

Irfan
on November 4, 2010, 13:59 GMT

Individual performances like this always takes away the focus from our main problems. In the end Pakistan won the match! Hehaw! Were they ever close to winning it had it not been for Razzak? Naw. Dismal performance otherwise. And it's gonna get swept under the rug too. So I understand that Shahzaib is failing but 'parchi' opener Farhat hasn't done anything. Allow Asad Shafiq to play at one down and not an opener. Experimenting is not going to allow him to settle down. That idiot Afridi knows no other way then to boom boom regardless of the situation. I guess his brain which goes "hit, hit, hit" is incapable of realizing that he is the team Captain. After a career spanning over a generation one hopes he knows that not every ball can be hit. His batting pretty much sums up the total approach of the team; which is 'lack of planning'.

Khuram Khan
on November 4, 2010, 6:14 GMT

The team was selected prematuarly and the results are there to see.Lack of physical abilities and fitness is writ allover.Then comes ability to pierce the field.This requires technique and practice.This inability of Asad,Farhat and Fawad cost us the match.Afridi does not inspire as a leader.Mentally he is apparently not in the game otherwise he would have had a more serious approach when he came to bat.Asad Shafique does not have the class to play at this level.Wicket keeper uses his mouth more than his legs and needs to be advised.Runouts could have been avoided if players had resorted to dives when needed.Our fielders not once hit the stumps.This was pathetic.

ram
on November 3, 2010, 18:44 GMT

South africa is the best team for past several years.

Cannot say what is lacking to get on Top.!!!

Will some comment?

Vish
on November 3, 2010, 16:00 GMT

@Amir: Many Pak fans are claiming that their team is the most attractive and can turn around from nowhere. Let's looks at Sri Lanka at the moment. Just now, they defeated Australia in one of the most stunning comeback in the recent times. Shall we call Sri Lanka the "most attractive" now? Come on guys -- Cricket is a unpredictable game, and winning once in a while doesn't make Pakistan the most "most attractive" team.

Muhammad Saidul Haque
on November 3, 2010, 6:19 GMT

Assalamulaikum Kamran vhai, please tell mr. Afridi that South African team should & must not be ignored/avoided & underestimated everywhere. The SA are totally balanced in every department. Everyday does not belong to Abdul Razaaq. Saied Ajmal should be rested for remaining last two matches due to out of his sorrowed form. Abdur Rehman must be included in replaced over Ajmal definitely. Be realistic mr. Afridi---- you know very well about your team batting depth, winning the toss at the 3rd match, Afridi should had taken batting firstly because of different pitch condition way saying that from previous 2nd. match. Please, Afridi, never underestimate the South Africans .

muzz
on November 2, 2010, 21:47 GMT

lethargic running today 2 run and lost by 2 runs think about it guys. is is a good job there is no drinking in dubai

HUZAFA
on November 2, 2010, 10:21 GMT

no words
about
""""RAZZAQ""""

Badrudeen
on November 2, 2010, 10:11 GMT

The match was so boring and I switched off the television with the exit of Afridi. I couldn't believe when I woke up in the morning to hear of Razzaqs fantastic exploits with the bat. I watched the replay several times. It was a real exhibition of controlled but power hitting which had all the timing in the world. He doesn't hit every ball like Afridi. Razzak first studies the bowl before launching his attack. A great knock which will be remembered for a long time.

Tahir
on November 2, 2010, 9:55 GMT

Nice Article .But i would like to add something ....I dont agree totally with Razzaq .because if you will perform consistently ,definitely you will be the part of your team .If you couldn't perform then you should vacant the place for young players .If we look at history pakistan cricket team never perform when it was expecting from them .We want a team effort rather an individual .I think pakistan cricket board is equal responsible for such Circumstances .As we all know Asim kamal is a technically Sound Middle order batsman but he has been ignore from last 5 years .

nasim khan
on November 2, 2010, 9:32 GMT

what a knock by Razzaque, but it very sad to see that after such a superb and brilliant he came with an unnecessary statement about his place in the team and others, i really think he was not deserving his place in the team or may be not utilized properly by most of the captains, but for that he also be blamed as he was no where near to consistency, any way now i see misbah is giving headache to the viewers he so much mentally block that he does not know how to bat properly, although he is immensely talented player be his appearance shows that he is lost some where in a jungle and not interested to find the way, i guarantee that even if plays well he will never bring a victory to the pakistan team, it is a guarantee and challenge to any one including MR. MISbah, who miss every thing. i think pakistani team should be more or young players rather keeping old fellows who consistently have not performed at all.players like imran farhat, misbah, imran nazir, even zulqairnain haider,

ehte
on November 2, 2010, 9:05 GMT

I am glad dat razk played well but the team is not having gud player like hafeez,asad shafiq they all inexperience,select gud team so dat it gud for the world cup,plz change batting coach izaz ahmed and bring new coach so that it vill be helpful to pakistan team.
Akmal brothers,
afridi
razzaq
yousuf,
younus,
malik
amer,
ajmal
gul
akhtar
imran nazeer
farhat
dis is a perfect team so plz dont take hafeez.
dis is a humble requst call imran nazeer too he is a perfect guy how razzaq can play he can play like dis.

Malik Haroon Ramzan
on November 2, 2010, 9:00 GMT

Welldone! I was really thinking about the team selection policy and since you have highlighted the point I am pleased I m not alone. Whynot select players based on their ability. For example, Although i m not much fan of Imran Nazir but given the Resources and strategies being used by South Africa a player of Cut, Pull and Slog Over Midwicket in the first spell wouldnt have been a bad option for Pakistan on the pitches made to support them (HOME TEAM). I am sure this strategy can be developed. Players can be briefed about their roles and this will also solve the problem of fear of not playing the next game and involving more players within the same bunch of 16 players per tour. Cricket has evolved so much, its time planning and strategies are implemented to be competative.

KB KHAN
on November 2, 2010, 8:40 GMT

FANTISITIC BATTING ...........

Mateen Zadran
on November 2, 2010, 8:13 GMT

I really loved the game and will be in my memory for long time, where another pakistani Batsman doing some miracle, but in the future we need to have razzaq on his position at No.7 but only he need to have support from another skipper afridi, afridi must be calm in his innings and to not play every ball.

Kashif Jahangir Butt
on November 2, 2010, 8:07 GMT

This is not the first time he stole the victory when everyone PCB, greeen shirs even fans lose their hearts. His "Nuke Bomb" innings came at a time when Pakistan Cricket sliding donw the hills. He came as to rescue and provide a reason to the fans to love Pakistan's Cricket team again. Now it's upto the PCB how they can utilize this to uplift Pakistan Cricket.

K Shah
on November 2, 2010, 8:02 GMT

Well said Kamran Abbassi. To add, i say that PCB should make a system through which the cream of domestic players should be extracted for the final 11 but that should be done after the world cup as we can not do experiments with world cup just less than 4 months away. Also, players should take care of their respect what they get from their fans and should show some high traditions of magnanimity by not fighting with each other or not playing any role in players' politics.

SAIYED
on November 2, 2010, 7:57 GMT

ya great innings RAZZAQ
my line up for W C 2011
K akmal
U akmal (cz i see the potential of SEHWAG in him he should open)
Razzaq
Younis
Hafeez
Afridi
Malik or ASAD
Naved (can bat as well)(good death & swing bowler)
Aamir Or Riaz (if aamir is not cleared)
Gul
Ajmal
Batting order should have mobility according to situation
if we ned to occupy the crease by time then malik younis can be promoted at 3& 4 positions and if we have got good platform then Razzaq and Afridi can be promoted
in this line up pak has got three good swing and reverse swing bowlers and death overs specialist
and three really good spinners ajmal,afridi,hafeez
and fourth one is malik
and as the world cup is in subcontinent this will be the best bowling line up

Muhammad Tariq
on November 2, 2010, 7:36 GMT

For more than a decade now, Abdul Razzaq is the most reliable player in Pakistan Cricket Team to me. He never run after captaincy or other things he just play and enjoy his cricket. He is the only GENTLEMAN in the team. But i feel sory for PCB and its stratigies......unlike the Aussies, Proteas etc they are not aware of the art how to utilize their player. Best of Luck to Abdul Razzaq, PCB and Pakistan cricket. My prayers are always with them even if they lose 100 matche on the trot.

i missed this innings of Razzaq ,but in my mind he has a special place.he is just awesome.He is a terrific cricketer,and when yesterday i saw on net ,gone through commentry,i think this is the best innings of long time.it has overshadowed Tendulkar's 200,although i am die hard fan of Him.Best because he has chased it,and of last 65 runs,he has scored 63 runs!Amazing !! Hat's off.Iam really really happy when Razzaq comes with this.

I think Razzaq is one of the best player in the team and should be played all three formats on permanant bases. His spot should be secured in all forms for next five years. But you know it won't happen because we have Mr. Butt.

asim
on November 2, 2010, 5:56 GMT

it's high time pakistan stops frequent changes in the team.The old guys are still there because the new guys are not quite capable of replacing them.In present scenario these are the best players available to the team and replace them only if some exciting talent is there.All thans to abdul razzak for giving us such joy and happiness after such a long time.Hail razzak....

kashif Naqvi
on November 2, 2010, 5:50 GMT

Without any doubt it was sparkling knock from A.Razzaq but Pakistan cricket need consistency,players like Razzaq Afridi yonus must give 100% in each game for survival of Pakistan cricket they have experience Pakistan give them lot last ten years or now they have to give Pakistan something

Asad Afridi
on November 2, 2010, 5:35 GMT

!!!....Great Inings By Razaq Fantastic won by pakistan inSHALLAH More 3 Games will also win pakistan Zindabad...!!!!!!!!

hayyan
on November 2, 2010, 5:12 GMT

razzak well done,keep it up man.

Fiaz Hussain
on November 2, 2010, 5:05 GMT

We hv cricket talent equally good if not more if compared to other top cricket playing nations. But our cricket team shows the true picture of out nation and our country leadership. Why Yusuf, Younis were axed after Australia tour??? Why Razzaq was not included in T20 world cup squard and he remain off for 2 almost 2 years?

If properly managed, we can be No 1 in Test, 1day and T20.

Razzaq: You are one and only... weldone.

waleed khalid
on November 2, 2010, 5:01 GMT

Very well written. I fully agree with this. A player who has time and again shown that if given the right opportunity, he can perform really well especially with the bat. The poor guy is almost always given the last few overs to bat or when the game is close to being lost when he has shown on many occasions that he can perform the best if given time to settle down and then hit out. His batting spot should be linked to number of overs left rather than a fixed number. In sub-continent or batting friendly pitches, he could easily come at no. 3. Even probably in other conditions also.

Whatever Pakistan achieved during previous few months in terms of playing cricket ....... is better than getting white washed from Bangladesh so a little bit of toning down will not do any harm. Some of our so called friends are dreaming of Pakistan getting suspended …… no reason for us to become pugilist with them and treat fans like ….. as you said “punching bags”.

Noor
on November 2, 2010, 4:25 GMT

literally i was in tears when he smashed that last 4... STAND UP FOR THE CHAMPION @ Razzaq

shariq
on November 2, 2010, 3:22 GMT

Well well Razzaq did the magic once again, it's not the first time that we have seen this kind of inning from Razzaq. We all know when it comes to pure hitting razzaq is better then sewag, sachin, pointing and sangakara.
Why Razzaq dont get the respect from pcb the way he deserves, Afridi has no sense of humor whats so ever and I am no respect for him.PCB is being unfair to majority of top quality players. For up coming world cup this should be the team.
1. Ahmed Shahzad/Imran Nazir
2. Kamram Akmal ( even ugly guy sucks)
3. Younis
4. Malik
5. Yousuf
6. Misbah
7. Razzaq
8. Afridi
9. Gul
10. Ajmal
11. Akhtar

Ever since I saw his 5x4s in 5 balls vs McGrath in Sydney 10 years ago, I always wanted Razzaq to do well. But was frustrated with PCB and the emotionally fragile captains who failed to protect his rare talent. Among a bunch of hot-headed, politically connected, flamboyant and, (not to mention) corrupted cricketers, Razzaq's cool composure and media-shy personality always stood out. Ramiz Raja - whom I still respect a lot, was particularly indifferent towards Razzaq and always found ways to undermine Razzaq's achievements. Just for this, I began to lose some respect for Ramiz. Others such as Waqar, Akram, miandad should have seen this rare talent and nurtured. Btw, I am a Hindu Tamil from Sri Lanka (in case you are wondering!) who genuinely beleives that Pakistan produces the most talented cricketers in South Asia (more than SL, India, Bangladesh put together) but waste this talent due to limited mental toughness among players and dysfunctional leadership at board level.

SayedJee, San Francisco, CA
on November 2, 2010, 1:52 GMT

Razzaq who?
Go Giants!!!!!!!!

Meety
on November 2, 2010, 1:27 GMT

Pak at its best, indifferent, sloppy, then mindblowingly brilliant, it looks like Razzaq turned the match into a 95/5 ODI. 95 Overs of Sth Africa beating the living daylights out of Pakistan, 5 overs of Razzaq smashing Sth Africa. ODI side should be;
1. K Akmal
2. A Razzaq
3. Y Khan
4. F Alam
5. M Yousuf
6. U Akmal
7. S Afridi
8. U Gul
9. W Riaz (M Amir if hopefully cleared)
10. S Ajmal
11. S Ahktar
I would maybe even play Yousuf at 6 or 7 to anchor the innings, but I suppose this will never happen as it seems that Younis & Yousuf won't play in the same team. This side would have 6 very capable bowlers + hitting ability right down to Gul @ #8.

coldheart
on November 2, 2010, 1:26 GMT

if i'm not wrong Razzak started off as a opener or no 3 for pakistan. but as it went on he went down in batting order. I think that Pakistan selectors has to get their act right by giving the current players with specific roles, otherwise they going to end up from the group stage.

Omer
on November 2, 2010, 1:23 GMT

Well done Razzaq!!

Saha, R u kidding me? you are out of ur mind to suggest that Pakistan should be banned just cuz couple of players are accused (NoT PROVEN GUILTY) to FIX 2 NO ball. If its proven than punish these players accordinlgy, no point banning one of the most entertaining team. Grow up !!

kamran
on November 2, 2010, 1:20 GMT

Get your stats right saha.oval 06 england was given the match because of false match abandment. ball tampering was never proven.Pak should have gone to the court for that.You are talking from your hate when you say pak should be banned.Despite lack of cricket etc pak is still able to beat eng,aus,sa.Having said that current pcb should go.

Mudassar Rana
on November 2, 2010, 1:08 GMT

Those that still doubt razzaq, forget that in the 2009 final he removed 3 of the sri lankan top order! Also this last 12 months his innings twice against england have single handedly won pakistan matches. The fact that he doesnt get big scores you forget he was banned for 2 years and coming in at 6/7 position he doesnt exactly get much chance!

Wahab Gul - Pakistan Occupied Kashmir
on November 2, 2010, 0:07 GMT

PCB needs Imran Khan instead of Ijaz Butt.

Rafik
on November 2, 2010, 0:06 GMT

Congratulations to Abdul Razzaq on one of the most sensational batting display I have ever witnessed in an ODI. The only other display that came close to this was an innings in the ICL where I witnessed Imran Nazir totally destroyed the Bengal Tigers attack which included Shane Bond. Imran Nazir scored 126 opening the innings. He dispatched Shane Bond, Jason Gillispie, and all the bowlers to every part of the park.

Imran Nazir deserves better treatment from the Pakistan selectors than he has been given. Razzaq's innings just demonstrates what talent Imran has but never given a fair break to develop his talent. It just does not make sense to discard players with such natural talent that could be harnessed to the benefit of Pakistan cricket.

asad
on November 1, 2010, 23:08 GMT

Calm dolwn calm down, pakistan alwasy bottle these deciding matches.

i agree Kamran that over the last decade, Razzaq, along with Shoaib, Sami, Azhar Mahmood, Imran Nazir, Shoaib Malik have all gone from promising to pathetic. Razzaq can only bat in limited overs, and that too when he slogs.

I remain a pakistan hater because of the recent scandals. PCB please throw yourself away.

Zohaib R.Q
on November 1, 2010, 23:01 GMT

Razzaq is the most under-rated player in pk cricket. If he can only maintain his consistency (consistency doesn't mean anything to the green brigade)

Gonzo
on November 1, 2010, 22:56 GMT

I support SA as I'm half South African, but have to say well done to Pakistan. I was actually glad that Razzaq took Pak over the line, as it would have been depressing if he'd gone just one or two short after such a magnificent innings. Cricket needs a strong Pakistani team.

Indians smell
on November 1, 2010, 22:54 GMT

I've always loved abdul razzaq, from the moment i saw him bat in Sharjah in 2003. I was 9 years old, so i hadnt watched him before. He made me love the sport of cricket, and now, i support the Pakistan team through thick and thin. It doesnt matter if we lose, or even if we lose badly, but as fans, it is a test of your support to watch when your team is losing, and im afraid to say, paki fans lose hope quickly. Then, they who dont watch when paki loses, relish the victory, even though those fans dont deserve it. I watched the entire match, and i swear to god, i stayed with my boys from the first ball bowled, to the last ball smashed. I watched every match in the austrailian summer of them getting thrashed to pieces, and even the series after the spot fixing allegations, so fans like me deserve this victory, not frontrunners. Keep the faith.
Razzaq shoould open, since he prefers the quicks. anyone who disagrees, go watch last nights match. Afridi should come as soon as the spinners come

Nadeem Mirza
on November 1, 2010, 22:50 GMT

What an exhibition of clean hitting by ice man, Razzaq. Unforgettable stuff!!! He snatched victory from the jaws of the defeat. Forget Richard, Miandad, Tendulkar, Sehwag, Afridi etc. I have never seen such a clean and slick hitting. He has been the unsung hero of Pakistan cricket. I am no expert, but I beleive he should come in at number 4 or 5 to bat, ahead of Misbah, Fawad and Afridi. Though he needs to learn to rotate the strike and build innings. Anyone in coaching staff paying attention?
Anyways, CONGRAT Pakistan! This is the best answer and slap on the faces of the people who are brewing conspiracy against Pakistan cricket in general. In the same breath I will say can somebody please kick that BUTT out of PCB?

saha
on November 1, 2010, 22:33 GMT

"On form, no ground can hold Abdul Razzaq's power"- when he is ever on form? watch him fail for the next few months... probably take money to fail.. I have no respect for pakistan cricket anymore... i use to urge them on in face of ridiculous corruption based scandals but this spot fixing case has just proven they are cheaters and shouldnt be allowed to play international cricket. How can we take their word seriously now? oval in 06 the ball tampering fiasco? no doubt in my mind they probably did tamper the ball.. and 2 of the greatest matches in the last few years, sydney test and world t20 semi final, tainted because i am now sure they have been fixed.

ram
on November 1, 2010, 22:12 GMT

It was as sensational as mischevious Miadad did at Dubai....ONE Sixer far more remeberred than 10 sixers of Razzak(seek his comments...he will agree)

Result and team made the difference!!!

Muzammil Mohsin Shaikh
on November 1, 2010, 22:05 GMT

This has to be one of the ALL TIME BEST ODI knock. Razzaq is blessed with not just real big hitting talent but also the ability to win matches single handedly that not many in the world have and all bowlers fear him for what he can do to them.

But I would also like to say that he himself is mostly to be blamed for not being what he and all of us think he could have achieved in his career. I remember he used to be quicker in his bowling. He has slowed down a lot and his fielding is also very poor. He could have done better in those departments to be considered amongst the best all-rounders in the game.

Israr Qureshi USA
on November 1, 2010, 20:26 GMT

I agree with Abbasi 's analysis. I think Razzak should be given One day and T20 Captaincy keeping his clamness, cool head game approach. cricket has become a mind game,it requires a thotough pre game plannig. I beleive Captain and vice captain should also be advised to have some traing and coaching classes beside.

Excellent Abdul Razzak your are zindabad , we are losing another talent One day and T20 Expert Shoaib Malik, he must be in Team

ADNAN
on November 1, 2010, 19:54 GMT

Not only Razzaq but similar things happen to other talents like Imran Nazir, Qaiser Abbas, Muhammed Waseem and others. Irony of the fact is Pakistan ignored Razzaq and never had an allrounder, ignored Imran Nazir and struggled to find a potent opener, ignored Qair Abbas and struggled to find a left arm spinning allrounder. The entire blame goes to PCB, chief selectors and the ex Pakistan captains.

Adeel Pervaiz
on November 1, 2010, 19:44 GMT

This is THE BEST innings in history of ODI cricket. Tell me how many players have scored like this, specially scoring 63 out of last 65 runs is exceptional, majestic.

Razzaq has shown the world that Pakistan Cricket is still alive.
Wish him GOOD LUCK and hope to see more innings like this b/c Pakistan will need that.

SL Fan
on November 1, 2010, 19:37 GMT

After this weeks games I think I should sell off the Australia vs. Sri Lanka tickets (for 2011 World Cup) instead buy tickets for the Pakistan vs. Sri Lanka game. Great work Pakistan!

PaKiLoVeR <3
on November 1, 2010, 19:15 GMT

Abdul Razzaq! do i have to say more?? WHAT A BEAUTYY! best innings ever watchedd! he won the game single handily! 109 runs off of 72 balls ONLY!!! ammmazzziiiiinnngggglly GOOOD! :D keep on ROCKING RAZZZLLLLERRRR!!!!! :)))

Aamir
on November 1, 2010, 19:12 GMT

i shout loudly, when he is play winning short, i can't believe it, unbelievable inning by A.Razzaq brother, proud of him, may Allah Bless him & all player of Pakistan "Ameen" : )

Rahulbose
on November 1, 2010, 19:11 GMT

A brilliant knock, but to me it looks like a final burst from a dying flame. Pakistan will soon either be suspended or will be fielding borderline minnow quality teams.

Dr Badruddin Savja
on November 1, 2010, 19:10 GMT

Dear Kamran,your this article is very much prfect, especially when we fans and mainly Pakistan team members and Officials needed
I always read and enjoy your articles, I hope that Pakistan so called officals will heed and act on your & Abdul Razzaks precious
comments and advices.
Thanks and Allah Hafiz.

roomi
on November 1, 2010, 19:08 GMT

Razzak Played a phenomenal knock. What he said is also right. PCB s revolving door selection policy is destoying players career. Whatever have they done with an outstanding Talent like Imran Nazir- dropping him after a couple of failures. He is another explosive match winner and deserves a decent run in the team ahead of the likes of Farhat.

Hassan
on November 1, 2010, 19:04 GMT

Pakistan is master in wasting talent

Razzaq career is almost over, we should not repeat mistakes on new emerging players. Razzaq is same what he was 10 years ago, and not to his fault, most players have intent of learning and improving, yet no body guides and trains them. Razzaq has issues playing spin, and rotating strike, why no body worked on that for 10 years.

So I am worried about Asad Shafiq, Fawad Alam, and Umar Akmal. All talented, yet have some areas to improve, why no body works with them on those areas!! Another generation would be wasted.

salman gilani
on November 1, 2010, 18:58 GMT

Unbelieveable Razzler has been the best of All time hitters in pakistan , no comparison even shahid khan afridi does not come close to him ,no way jose, no way

Persist with the current team till the series end. Razzack is correct in saying this, pcb/selectors/players faultered many times, now they need to learn from the mistakes. Can I get a spot in the team, I will show them how to be patriotic at the ground/outside, field well, occupy the crease, bowl the variations, etc.

Jzee
on November 1, 2010, 18:56 GMT

@ Mahmood... I am sorry but did you mean that razzak's batting was hurting fawad's batting ?
just take out razzak's innings from the scorecard and then imagine what fawad has and would have done(a 120 ball 70 not out at his best) and it was fawad who started to cramp and so was not in any position to run 3s. Razzak after bowling and such a hard hitting batting display sis not show any sign of fatigue or tiredness...young players not only need to be talented and groomed properly but also should be taught to be less selfish when the team wants them to...

Muhammad kamran
on November 1, 2010, 18:51 GMT

Abdul Razzak is a very great player.He proves himself as a great batman many times and he won lots of matches for our country.I think he should play at no 3 or 4.Now when he comes to bat at No 7 he has to bat with bowlers and it puts extra pressure on him.Welldone Abdul Razzak.

Ali Vaqar Awan
on November 1, 2010, 18:49 GMT

Razzaq proved that he still has great deal of cricket left in himself. PCB is at fault for wasting him. Had PCB worked on well on him then he would have been next best allrounder after Imran Khan. He played his best innings against South Africa, snatching victory from jaws of defeat. He single handidly won Pakistan the match. Hope so he plays like this on regular basis. Hope so his bowling also works out. He is the force to be reckon with. He should be batting much higher than Affridi. Razzaq deserves to bat at number 5. He can be send as pinch hitter at number 3 if situation really demands it.

fawad iqbal
on November 1, 2010, 18:49 GMT

shukar alhamdo lillah !!!!!!!!!!!!!!
year 2007--------pakistan got a fantastic line up and coach
year 2007--------darrell hair made a mess of umpiring
year 2007--------pcb chairman changed new comer made a mess of pcb
year 2007--------inzamam retired ,bob murdered......
pakistan cricket got a smack

year 2009--------pakistan got a fantastic lineup
year 2009--------pakistan won after 17 years a major title
year 2009--------infighting starts younis resigned
year 2010--------pakistan again got a good lineup and coach
year 2010--------salman butt,muhammad asif,muhammad amir suspended
year 2011--------!!!!!!!!W O R L D C U P!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

dear think of playing eleven no openers ,no opening bowlers
how can we each time win a world cup match like this(rare rare gem of an innings)

gr8 inings of razak.
but pakistan batting still a problm . the type of inings cant be done in every game.
in thse 2 games hafez looks in form, younas in form, afridi played a litle bit sensibly(need more responsible inings)fawad played like he does. Asad is a gud batsman . v hav sen him during england tour but problm is to send him as opner. weak links are misbha ul haq & zulqarnain ( though he played gud inings in his 1st test but he loks totaly under presure in these matches).

pak can take a brave decision for selecting & keeping from umar akmal. & also asad should come lower as he is more gud in midlle order. if u want temporary opening then use any senior player. or younis khan can come i mean whats the diference of coming in 3rd over and opening inings?

Arshad
on November 1, 2010, 18:42 GMT

I always felt Razzaq should play as a batsman allrounder specially when he is not as fast and accurate as a bowler..just use him as a part time bowler.Utilize his batting skill..he anchor the innings as well as capable of hitting monstrous hit. better than many of the batters in the top order.

Nauman
on November 1, 2010, 18:34 GMT

First of all,amazing rather unbelievable knock from him.
This team needs a little bit of tweak and its gonna be fine.Asad Shafiq is a promising but not opening material.Hafeez,Younis,Misbah,Fawad are all accumulators,too many for any playing XI(although we still manage to get all out).I would say we bring Shahzaib back as opener(until Kamran Akmal is available),else try Haider up there.This is all prep time before WC,you never know what good may come out of some experimentation(remember Shoaib Malik in 2004-06).Whichever option we choose,I think our bowling lacks a little depth now.We must play Shoaib,Umar,Wahab(Aamer if available),Afridi & Ajmal.Hafeez,Razzaq,Fawad could be the supporting cast. With Younis not captain anymore,he should try keeping as well to open an extra spot for batsman.Here is what I would play as XI:
Shahzaib
Hafeez
Younis (WK)
Fawad/Asad/Yousuf
Misbah/Umar Akmal
Afridi
Razzaq
Umar Gul
Wahab/Aamer
Ajmal/Rehman
Shoaib/Asif
Good Luck for the rest of series!!!

Ali Alvi
on November 1, 2010, 18:28 GMT

Superb! innings from Abdul Razzaq.Although Afridi is a big smasher of the ball but he is not at all a clean hitter and yesterday's clean hitting compelled me to say "Boom Boom Razzaq" rather than "Boom Boom Afridi".

MK
on November 1, 2010, 18:16 GMT

Look at Hampshire----they assessed his capabilities on a totally different pleateau----they made him open the innings and seemingly he has been successful in that position.

Razzaq is the Shane watson of pakistan team. His batting as an opener will break the momentum of the other team, once it gets going. He is not in the same league as Sehwag---but if given the chance and oppurtunity, he can do wonders in the opening slot.

In a T20 and ODI, he needs to open the batting with Kamran Akmal.

If pakistan wants to win on regular basis, they need to start thinking like the australians. You need to be playing in the winning mode right from the first over of the game and not the 41st over of the game.

Next item on agenda must be the senior batsman in the dying overs must need to take charge of the batting and keep the strike all the time, like Razzaq did in this game. There is no reason for singles in the death overs when you have a batsman at one end and a tail endfer at the other.

navin
on November 1, 2010, 18:13 GMT

well,well i never thougt razzaq of all the players tht pak have evr produced will do something like this.he was always a dangerous player but never expected somethin like this.india should devise a technique to get this fellow out as quiqly as ppossible when we meet pak in the world cup.even though the current pak team is very much a beatable side(as we beat them convincingly in the asia cup in june)i feel they r all the more unpredictable.i wouldnt be suprised to see pak in the semis of the world cup!!!!

Krisbeer
on November 1, 2010, 17:59 GMT

"Yet Razzaq is a perfect example of how the Pakistan Cricket Board has failed to develop cricketers for over a decade"..
Man.. i have a problem with this statement. I am an Indian but a great admirer of Pakistani cricketing talent.
Why do you guys always blame your cricket board?...If Razzaq failed to develop..its his fault..not the PCB'S. Sachin developed on his own..so did sehwag...the BCCI did not "develop" them...they had it in them..to make it big... Razzaq does not...he only plays a cameo or two once in a few years. Similarly..Waqar, akram,imran, miandad developed on their own..the PCB did not "develop" them.

Kysir iqbal,indian occupid-kashmir
on November 1, 2010, 17:50 GMT

Well done Razzaq,we know u can make impossible possible,shame on pcb who r hell bent of wasting u!for afridi,plz b patient when batting

Manjala Wijenayake - Angammana
on November 1, 2010, 17:50 GMT

What a nice shot player. He is very beautiful than my Malwenna. I love to see in Galle. Please keep it up like this Pakistan. So nice to watch.

Raj
on November 1, 2010, 17:49 GMT

Despite being a Indian I always supported Pakistan cricket team except when playing against India. This is really heart warming, I would like to see Pakistan cricket team as a major force to reckon with.

Jibran
on November 1, 2010, 17:41 GMT

This match was Abdul Razzaq vs South Africa in fact, and this Man can beat the whole team all alone.

Muhammad Saidul Haque
on November 1, 2010, 17:41 GMT

Tremendous, courageous & determined honest Abdul Razaaq had proved & showed his prolific stamina to the cricket world that the name watchful of “Unpredictability” behind Pak cricket team will not be removed so early. Truly appreciable time has come from the past of glorious former player’s contribution for current Pakistan Cricket Team at last. Is this not mentioning that Abdul Razaaq is honestly committed to his consistency with fairly strong of patriotic characteristic appearance? Will all the present squad including Shahid Afridi & his team mates become the true PATRIOT like Razaaq for their nation? Pak cricket, when they have been criticized, blamed, scandalous, guilty --- because of some major players’ as the traitors to sell their country’s privacy through match fixing, it is the crucial decent recovery time for them to get up from firing hell of grave & be promised not to sell our privacy to the so called damn bookies.

Razzle Dazzle
on November 1, 2010, 17:40 GMT

Thanks Kamran - spot on as ever.

'Yet Razzaq is a perfect example of how the Pakistan Cricket Board has failed to develop cricketers for over a decade...'

This comment is the most poignant to me, I'm tempted to compile a list of players who PCB have failed over the length of Razzaq or Afridi's career, would be one long list....

Saad
on November 1, 2010, 17:34 GMT

Plz bring back Muhammad Yousuf, let him not be a victim of politics yet again. He is our best player, still has many years left in him. A truly gift player and a class act.

Saad
on November 1, 2010, 17:33 GMT

Plz bring back Muhammad Yousuf, let him not be a victim of politics yet again. He is our best player, still has many years left in him. A truly gift player and a class act.

Umair Javaid
on November 1, 2010, 17:32 GMT

Well as afirdi said Razzaq proved to b the real BOOM BOOM. And we heard one the greatest bowlers of all time i.e. Waqar Younis saying that he has witnessed one the best ODI innings ever.
Can U blv it? Can u blv it? Said Mpomy Mbangwa.
Well honestly I still cant
Hats off to Razi Bhai

destro
on November 1, 2010, 17:29 GMT

RAZZAQ! He is the only non-controversial player in his team. He seems level headed and definitely not dumb like Afridi. What I can't fathom is why is it that Razzaq is not considered the most destructive batsman in Pakistani cricket and why that honor of boom boom goes to Afridi. Razzaq has played explosive innings at the very end of innings where as Afridi gets the luxury to play at the top not to mention more consistency in comparison. Razzaq's bowling should only be considered as added bonus rather than a main role. That is the mistake PCB made. This guy is definitely like what VVS laxman is to Tests , a forgotten genius. Plus he has a Tendulkar like personality in terms of a gentleman. May be other teams will stop accusing Pakistani team if they had more players like Razzaq. He has always been my only favorite player from Pakistan.

mohammad
on November 1, 2010, 17:28 GMT

alhamdullillah its a very great and happy day for all the cricket fans of pakistan.
we have been looking for a long time to see a innings like razzaq played yesterday.
all the team should learn by his temprament and patience how he played and utilized himself till the goal.love you razzaq bhai, i wish to see the pak flag always high like you did so far.
best wishes,

Omar Hussain
on November 1, 2010, 17:20 GMT

I had turned off my pc when Afridi was out.I expected some bite from Razzaq but this is a miracle!I have often advocated his presence in all type of cricket squads and it is sad that he has been cruelly neglected in many years.I am sure he would have made a lot of difference in the Tests last summer and i hope the selectors include him in the forecoming Tests.He is first and foremost a geniune Test all-rounder.He ha injected great spirit in our belief in Pakistan cricket i hope his team mates follow suite and attack bravely in the remaining matches.Today all Pakistan is proud of one of its true sons.Allah give you more strength my son!

Hi,Well done Razzak.Inn'g of this decade.Just stuning and outstanding.it it is better to replace misbah/fawad alam WITH Shahzeb hussain for next matches & asad shafique should bat at no 4 or 5.

Gohar
on November 1, 2010, 17:06 GMT

I was waiting for that Stuff from You Kamran!!After Beast show yesterday night!!
That was really awesome and can't describe that moment.
Now we know the feelings of SouthAfrican Fans as we have face similar 6 months ago in Caribbean from the Bat of Hussey.
But this is not match with anyone else!!
Razzler Dazzels!!!Wow!!!still mesmerized with his inning!!

Hafsa
on November 1, 2010, 17:04 GMT

Well written!

Adding to your statement: ....how the Pakistan Cricket Board has failed to develop cricketers for over a decade.....

PCB has also failed to win recognition for some outstanding Pakistani players as well. I'm sure Amir & Asif could have won the awards this year had PCB handled things better.

When ICC introduced T/20 Cricket to the world, little did they know that the first legendary Cricketer of this form of the game would be a Pakistani. Today, ICC does not have rating system for T/20; a format that is so important for the recognition of the game in new parts of the world and a format that is most loved by the Cricketing World. ICC ratings are not given not because they don't have the stats or the interest to rate the World Teams and Players but for some other reasons. However, ICC must honour this form of the game as soon as possible; a game that earns them millions; a game whose first legend is Shahid Afridi. Maybe in the next ICC awards!!!

Tanoli
on November 1, 2010, 17:03 GMT

Let me you a question, why do you acknowledge player's credibilities when they dont score 100s. For example, Misbah, U akmal....
Media community always praise an individual when they are shining (Just a Abdul Razzaq), let me correct you sir, you dont need a light when sun is out. please pay attention to other players, like kamran Akmal, we were told by same media (cricinfo) that he is kicked out becuase of health issues but yesterday, he scored 103 in domestic game.....why dont you hilight this issue???

mohammad
on November 1, 2010, 17:02 GMT

alhamdullillah its a very great and happy day for all the cricket fans of pakistan.
we have been looking for a long time to see a innings like razzaq played yesterday.
all the team should learn by his temprament and patience how he played and utilized himself till the goal.love you razzaq bhai, i wish to see the pak flag always high like you did so far.
best wishes,

joseph
on November 1, 2010, 16:59 GMT

While it may be one of their biggest problems it sometimes can be the very component that make them attractive and that is the INCONSISTENCY. That is the reason Avais you never turn of your tv set when you are watching Pakistan and WI they can win a match from any posistion on their day. WELL DONE RAZZAQ YOU DAZZLED EVEN ME HERE OVER IN THE WEST INDIES.

joseph
on November 1, 2010, 16:59 GMT

While it may be one of their biggest problems it sometimes can be the very component that make them attractive and that is the INCONSISTENCY. That is the reason Avais you never turn of your tv set when you are watching Pakistan and WI they can win a match from any posistion on their day. WELL DONE RAZZAQ YOU DAZZLED EVEN ME HERE OVER IN THE WEST INDIES.

MJ
on November 1, 2010, 16:52 GMT

Razzaq obviously needs to be promoted up the order so that he does not run out of partners and has to resort to a 'hitting every ball' strategy that may not work every time. As shown repeatedly by him that once he settles down he can see the ball very early and very well and can time it to perfection. So the promotion should be a no brainer. Also Misbah should be replaced by Imran Nazir ( another forgotten talent ) in both ODI's and T20's. I don't even like Misbah in the test team but would give him a chance in the following test series before completely dismissing him.

farhan
on November 1, 2010, 16:51 GMT

I think razzaq said the right thng pak selectr never give the chance to any youngster lets see what they doing wth asad shafiq he is performing beter at 5 pos now they are not bringing imran nazir who is specialist opener and in turn destroying the carer of both player and fawad alam is also not permanant member in team he is always in and out of the team pak board should give chance to there player to prove themselves its time to prepare there team for world cup everytime razzak cant play the magical innigs like this

I don't like to comment anymore on Pakistan cricket, but I'll gladly make an exception here because it involves Abdul Razzaq, a person whose talents I have always respected greatly. I have always felt that most institutions in Pakistan are better at destroying talented people than nurturing talent. The PCB is one of the biggest culprits. The first time I saw Abdul Razzaq was in the 1999 world cup. I was deeply impressed by the fact that batting one down, he would play according to the situation, and not just lose his head and get out quickly. He even scored a test century in the year 2000 against England in Pakistan batting at no 3, yet instead of developing his batting skills, he has been moved all over the batting order. With proper mentoring, who knows what heights he might have achieved. But hats off to the gem of an innings that he played against South Africa!!! From the bottom of my heart I wish you more such successes, Abdul Razzaq.

Shoaib AMin
on November 1, 2010, 16:39 GMT

Ab Razak shows his class once again, I m viewing cricket since last 20 years nd surely it is one of the best inning i ever have seen, beautifully crafted, chance less, with max pressure ever imagine on a batsman. Yes inconsistency in selection has caused lot of prob nd this is one big example, I wont blame him when he moved to ICL after being dropped 4m T20 world cup squad. Congrats to all pak cricket fan, just thinking why I came back where as I was working very near to stadium yesterday

sherry
on November 1, 2010, 16:35 GMT

razzzaq is one of the best finisher in the world. and he is very simple too, i like the way he is playing. but the other guys disappointed me. the main problem is not every player is efforts 100 percent. they have too work hard in the fielding as well to compete other teams of international level.

SSingh
on November 1, 2010, 16:29 GMT

Great match! Razzaq played like a true Champion. Cricket fans all over the world wants good old Pak team to bounch back.

khawer
on November 1, 2010, 16:14 GMT

Seriously i admit Razaq is gr8 player n no doubt he played amazingly well yesterday but we have to admit he is not consistent,if he scores century or fifty once in 4 yrs m sorry it doesn,t mean he is gr8 player or he needs to stay in team for ever...his comments about his place in team are totally wrong...he needs to perform to stay in the team n hv to perform consistently..what he is saying means board should give Misbah more time to get a performance from him...n sadly he has played so many matches n he didnt do anything n stil playing..very sad for domestic players who are performing consistently there..this shows that once the player get selected in international no one else can come to international team doesnt matter if he is continuesly performing there..

Syed Ahmed
on November 1, 2010, 16:11 GMT

I've been a razzaq fan since his debut in 96 (I was 5 than) He was the bowler I wanted to emulate. He's an awesome person and you rarely see him on the headlines for anything negative except for assaults like these (which can be fairly negative for the opposition) I was jumping out of my seat when Shoaib took the dot ball from Langevelt and the over had gone by. I knew I was going to be a witness of AMAZING. Razzaq is a very very very underrated cricketer, he's not a geniune ball hitter, he's a geniune match winner. Razzaq should be known as the PUNISHER not razzler, in my opinion.

habib
on November 1, 2010, 16:02 GMT

once Ramiz Raja said about Razzaq 'you know that he gona hit you yet you cant do anything bcz THE MAN IS A MASTER WHEN IT COMES TO CLEAN HITTING

Saleem Usman
on November 1, 2010, 15:56 GMT

Definitely one of the Best One Day innings of all time. Razzak has played the "Innings of his Life" and lets hope that he does it again and again. The best thing about his innings was it was well paced, he looked in Complete command and had the confidence of finishing it. A great result for Pakistan cricket and for the millions of fans that follow the team so emotionally. For the next match lets bring back Shahzeb for Asad and rest Shoaib and bring back Umar Gul. A word of appreciation for Waqar Younus--he has done a lot of work with the players and is directly involved with all of them on a one to one basis
Lets hope that there is a lot of "Razzle Dazzle" and "Boom Boom" for the reason of the season.
Good Luck and Keep working hard

jimmy
on November 1, 2010, 15:50 GMT

This was a fluke win.Our team is very weak specially in the absence of Amir and Asif.

Noman
on November 1, 2010, 15:49 GMT

Well done Razzak, I have been a fan for many years, I felt he should have been the future captain a long time ago, but like he said, he would not even be sure if he has spot in the next series. I also think he should bat higher up the order. Another guy who may add value in the test side is fawad Alam. He has the patience required for test cricket and I don't think we have the patience to watch him play 20/20. All said and done we have a really weak bowling attack at the moment. I don't think we can take 20 wickets in a test match against south Africa.

Zakir Khan
on November 1, 2010, 15:48 GMT

well said; This could certainly be the 'greatest innings of all time'. Those people should be ashamed, who were opposing Razzaq in the team.Now he just need to keep it going.

Desihungama
on November 1, 2010, 15:47 GMT

I am sorry to say Kamran that actually a true fan will turn away from Pakistan Cricket at this point because a true fan does not wish to support a member or members of team involved in treason. Supporting the team will mean you are supporting their acts that is you are supporting the act of treason, you are supporting the act of foxing, you are supporting the act of nepotism. What we need to do is to STOP supporting Pak Cricket and sit outside its offices and ask for a total clean up. Means let the private entity control PCB and not the Government. When that happens, we will support Pak Cricket again. Instead of watching fixers, I rather enjoy watching couple of kids playing street cricket, at least they are giving their 100%.

Shahruk Khan
on November 1, 2010, 15:45 GMT

Cant agree more with yasser. Right on spot misbah hafeez and farhat shud be thrown out in da desert of Abu Dhabi and and imran nazeer, nasir jamshed, ahmed sehzad, junaid khan, shud be brought before world cup and also zulqarnain looks far from being an odi batsman and that doesnt mean kamran again im sure there must be some aggressive keeper batsman out there if not shahzaib does keep wickets in domestic rather let him dropp the catch at least he can bat

DIe Hard Paki Fan
on November 1, 2010, 15:32 GMT

Now everyone seems to be forgetting that we have been getting hammered from last few years and not becoz we havent got talent(in fact when it comes to talent nobody is more talented than us)but becoz of mismangement and parchi system. I cant understand why the hell shahzaib is sitting on a bench and mideocare fawad is regular and continous ignorance to talented nasir jamshed, ahmed sehzad,khalid latif, and persisting with tried and tasted and failed as always like misbah,hafeez,farhat, and many more. plus they never know right man for job in T20 u need nazeer and tanveer not yousuf and butt and in test u need manzoor and fawad not farhat and in odi razzaq shud bat at no3 only at no8 he's completely wasted as he often finds himself playing with tailenders and needing 100+ runs of 12 overs.
And who says afridi is captain??????? The guy has no brain watsoever how can he lead the team he throws his wicket away n says I DONT KNOW WHY I PLAY like this well coz u dont know how to play

Imran
on November 1, 2010, 15:26 GMT

Very well put Mr Abbasi!

In fact your article explains what I had been going through while I was watching the game last night. When Afridi self destructed once again I was preparing myself for a normal ritual of trying to absorb the defeat. It was just adding to my diminishing interest in the game as an ardent fan of the game as well Pakistan. But then came Razzaq into the full flow and I cannot recall when I had seen such brute hitting, snatching victory from a team who was confident till the very last over that they could still win it.

I can comfortably say that this innings has revived my interest in the game and Pakistan and I really hope it is not short lived.

NOMI
on November 1, 2010, 15:25 GMT

JUST LIKE SHANE WATSON PAKISTAN SHOULD LET RAZZAK DO THE DAMAGE EARLY LIKE WATTO DOES.

Babar Khan
on November 1, 2010, 15:16 GMT

In my personal opinion,abdul razzaq became a victim since inzamam left and was never utilized in the way he should have been,
only his outstanding talent kept him in the loop and he was waiting for a opportunity to show the critics and the cricket politicians within Pakistan camp and Board.
Did anyone notice only three players were very excited on what Razzaq achieved at the end,while others met him as if he manages to draw a test match.
Have a look at the closing stages and celebreations and you will notice,

wish best of luck to Razzaq in Future.

Bilal
on November 1, 2010, 15:14 GMT

Brilliant performance by Razzaq. What a match winner he is and has shown now three times in recent past! We should utilize his talent bettter as Kamran Abbasi rightly pointed out. Once again many congrats team Pakistan.

nadeem
on November 1, 2010, 15:08 GMT

Thanks kamran for article, i like afridi as a bowler because thats where he uses his head, but he clearly treat Razzaq negativly considering him a threat to his captency,even razzaq said that that he is not been utilised, i mean sending a club level player like fawad ahead of him please, if board has to keep some players from karachi, which is just fine then why not faisal iqbal,now they are also wasting a pure talent from karachi Asad shafiq by sending him as opner,WHY NOT OPEN WITH AFRIDI KEEPING IN MIND THE WORLD CUP IS BEING HELD IN SUBCONTINAT, WHERE HIS 20% SUCCESS RATE CAN B UTILISED.keeping umer out and fawad in is pathetic.
LASTLY THANK YOU ABDUL RAZZAK FOR MEMORABLE INNINGS

ngochajalo
on November 1, 2010, 15:07 GMT

Pakistan cricket and cricketers are undoubtably very colourful.Out of expectation they win marvelously and the cricket fraternity would definitely want to watch more of Pakistan players' consistent inconsistency. Which ever player they put in, senior or novice, is a potential runs getter. Pakistan is one team everybody wants to watch due to their players' personalities and charismatic charm (and looks too!)...( unlike the boring and very dull-looking Indian cricketers and fans who are trying to look interesting ).
Greetings from Uttar Pradesh.

Alishan Kasmani
on November 1, 2010, 15:07 GMT

Abdur Razzak - how can one even imagine of this player who was not picked up for world T20 a couple o fyrs ago and therefore retired. PCB never thought of him and never enforced him back in the team until he himself made another effort. Just proved what he is with this innings he played yesterday. Lets not forget the fact that this also shows what shit PCB is (as this was one player who might not have been into this team after taking retirement). It does make one wonder how much better pak team and its players could be if Pak cricket board (which is full of shit at the mo) sorts itself out!

Ali Gilani
on November 1, 2010, 15:04 GMT

COngratulation sto all fans of pak cricket for this marvelous victory, atleast something to cheer. i do agree with Razzaq, the inconsistent policies of PCB (Mr. Butt). Players like Imran Nazir, such a talented & fluent player is ignored espacially in the absence of Salman Butt.He should be given a cance in the world cup as he can be handy (his record reveals) on Indian pitches...

Naveed
on November 1, 2010, 15:03 GMT

One performnce and we start praising the team again, not very long ago when the same team broguht so much shame for the country and its people.

There is no doubt of Razzaq's talent and he single handedly won the match for Pakistan, but this sort of innings we see once in a blue moon. we need consistency and good management, but unfortunately the picture is bleak as long as the current board officials are there.

Faisal Jaan
on November 1, 2010, 15:03 GMT

Completely agreed with Yasser:
I can give a few more examples here.

If Farhat can get million chances, why not Shazaib Hasan ? He is a real talent in ODIs and T20s.

Imran Nazir is a sure shot selection in T20s on any ground and in ODIs in India. He is a game changer.

Innings that Razzaq has played last night was not one of the best it was the ONLY innings of that type. I've always wonder about that particular situation when ever this situation arrives on any team. I always feel for the batsmen who've always failed to pull off this kind of victory. I don't know about you people but I haven't seen any thing like it. Razzaq's pet name in the team is "FAUJI" (Soldier) and he has shown us all over the years that why his pet name and his personality resembles a lot. Hats off to you sir for entertaining us.

Umar Khan - India
on November 1, 2010, 14:56 GMT

What a great knock from my all time favorite player Abdul Razzaq and undoubtedly the most decent player in the present era... hats off to you Abdul Razzaq.
Now, the issue with pak cricket is the past few years is that it does not mentors who can groom and protect the new talents. In last decade they had Imran Khan and the Wasim Akram to some extend, Inzamamulhaq a little bit but after that there is no mentor in the team wo could guide the young talents and secure their place in the team. How can anybody in the team guide the youngsters when no one is sure of their place in the team .. not even the captain!!
With stable captains such as Imran Khan and Waseem Akram they were able to dictate terms to the board, but the board has made sure that the captains dont get very strong to challenge their rulings. In the process pak circket is losing lots of young talent, Imran Nazir is one such example. Remember good old days when every new comer were groomed to become a match winner for pak!!

Umar
on November 1, 2010, 14:56 GMT

Pakistan is very much blessed with talent and an attitude which only exist in a Pakistani, what Razzaq have done till date is hard to achieve either its test saving innings in India, matching turning innings against Eng, Aus, NZ, SA, SRL, WI or Bang, he has done it 7 out of 10 times which is very impressive, this innings with no doubts is the best no matter which format you talk about, my only concern is what if Afridi and Razzaq are injured or in future they retire or may be Ijaz butt starts hating them and ban them who will replace them???

Rashid Ansari
on November 1, 2010, 14:53 GMT

It is a good article by Kamran and I would like to add that punishing players as PCB or coach have decided is not the way one can improve cricket. I heard a commentator saying that Umar Akmal is not playing because he was punished due to lack of his concentration and playing irresponsible shots. What about Umar Gul in the 2nd ODI? Why Misbah is in the team? Is he doing anything worthwhile? Look at Asad Shafique shots he played as an openning batsman!! Then where is Imran Nazir? Why he has been punished? Why PCB and coach do not groom him like Virender Sehwag? Well there are so many questions but there is no answer and if it continues like that then God help Pakistan cricket team.

Lou Virani
on November 1, 2010, 14:52 GMT

Afridi should learn from Abdul Razak's innings becasuse every time we think Afridi is playing sensible cricket-he manages to some how throw his wicket -this inspite of being a captain.Its time for him to grow up & play sensible innigs.
Thanks L.Virani from canada

Adil
on November 1, 2010, 14:52 GMT

Razzler is correct to an extent, insecutiry cause underperformance, and he was a victim of selection issues killing Pakistan cricket for a long time. But I think the reason for killing talent and making Pakistan cricket as im-potent as it is today is one and only, Inzimam ul Haq. He was a very good batsman, contributed a lot for Pakistan cricket but Inzimam the captain killed us, he killed talent, he killed the "cornered tiger" approach from boys, and made them tooth-less as he was as a captain himslef. Razzler, blame Inzi as much as you blame PCB.

mohsin raza
on November 1, 2010, 14:49 GMT

razzaq is a world class player but pakistan is not using his talent properly. razzaq should bat at number 3 as he did it in 99 world cup and he was prettt good at that time. now razzaq should be used as a batsman who can bowl as graet imran khan used him in last days of his career. razzaq can play a role of batting all-rounder. according to me razaaq is the best all-rounder in pakistan cricket after imran khan and wasim akram.

Masaood Yunus
on November 1, 2010, 14:45 GMT

After Miandad and Inzamam, this is probably one rare occasion where I saw a Pakistani Batsman planning the game on the field. He had a clear plan and he KNEW what he is doing. He discounted taking singles and stuck to the task. At the end, we saw The Original Razzaq .. the Razzler .. who we all love so much.
Shame though that such a great talent have been regularly wasted and sidelined by PCB. After the inclusion of a couple of seniors, we can already see our OLD Pakistani Cricket back on track. I hope and pray that those empty minds in the top brass fix their act. Finally !

Hats off to Pakistan and particularly to Razzaq for giving us yet another reason to love our team. We witnessed a game that we will cherish for long.

dr salman
on November 1, 2010, 14:41 GMT

well abt razzak s blitz..so much said...n one still feels short of words..innings of a lifetime...

but y is fawad alam being preferred to umer akmal? fawad always plays for a place in the side...40s of 70 odd balls..had afridi not chipped in yesterday...we cudnt ve recovered frm the slow run rate (fawad wud ve made sure it was 2.5-3/over)..zulqernain is not a gud ODI batsman..y cnt we make umer akmal the keeper then??

one more comment...did u guys see the shots younis khan played yesterday?? typical textbook shots..classy drives !! i wonder y was he ignored for so long !! even his dismissal was unlucky !!

Shahzeb Rauf
on November 1, 2010, 14:41 GMT

"Razzler".....awesome name for one of the very best hitters in cricket....

Daniyal
on November 1, 2010, 14:37 GMT

I don't think Razzaq's capability as a match turning batsman was ever in doubt what has been doubted over the past 5 years or so is his ability to bowl as effectively as he did in the past. I agree when he says his talent has never been utilised to its potential its sad that we never let him settle down in on spot and maximise his talent however the uncertainity in his career today is entirely his doing and no one elses; his often trigger happy (Aridi-esque) approach has cost him his place in the team he is a much better batsman than Afridi and capable of scoring runs at a much faster rate its sad his cricket has lacked the application he showed yesterday.

daskanam
on November 1, 2010, 14:37 GMT

I am totaly agreed with Razzaq,I looking him as future captain

Qamar
on November 1, 2010, 14:36 GMT

I just can't get it. why the team captains after wasim akram did not use Abdul Razzaq Properly..
and now management who needs to realize Razzaq should be the captain of team. what does he don't have of captain qualities...
Afridi: as cappel said " a person who can't control himself, how can he control the 11 guys"

ali2128
on November 1, 2010, 14:35 GMT

I wouldn't be surprised if the columnist lashes out at the very team he's supporting should it lose to South Africa 4-1 or 3-2. We Pakistanis have a habit of "speaking too soon". Let the series conclude and then draw conclusions.

Tariq
on November 1, 2010, 14:32 GMT

Well said. Thank you Razak for letting us know Pakistani team is stil alive. Thank you for giving me my smile back.

Roshan
on November 1, 2010, 14:25 GMT

True...

I second whatever you have written. Pakistan were always proud that there was lot of talent but the fact is, it was not always polished like Wasim/waqar/inzy/anwar. Neverthless, despite that, there were multiple players cropping up so very regularly. Pakistani team management took that for granted.

Look now, As on date, When the world has talent, Pakistan is lacking in Talent. Average age of Pakistan is almost 30, that says a lot. I dont think Pakistan will beat any of top 5 teams to win the series. Pakistan might win a match or two, but definitely not a series for sometime to come. If things dont improve, Pakistan would go Zimbabwe way. Hate to say this but even Bangladesh is playing better cricket than Pakistan.

RAO
on November 1, 2010, 14:23 GMT

Razzak should blame the players, not the board. Amir,Butt,& Asif are pure examples of players misconduct. What these players needed and still do, is a mental maturity & strength clinic. They come from small remote villages, enter into Pak team earn few USD or GBP (in some cases),color their hairs golden,Ray-Ban sunglasses, tight jeans, & shirts with few open buttons and beleive this is it!!!!
In true sense Pak board has been extremely tolerant with many in this team....
Razzak, go and davise your colleagues to behave first and then ask for anything...at least you have a job in this high unemployment enviornment.......

Amir
on November 1, 2010, 14:18 GMT

Pakistan is the most attractive team in the world, they can do anything anytime anyhow. They can turn arround from nowhere.

Ayaz
on November 1, 2010, 14:11 GMT

Im actually surprised at Abdul Razzaq's comments. and im also surprised at those who "completely agree" with him.
its exactly becoz of that "hanging sword" over his head which forced him to do something magical. his potential exile from the team forced him to focus on something special and prove his ability once more.
And if you guys remember correctly, it was somewhat same kind of situation in England when he performed and won for Pakistan. It was somewhat same scanario where he had to prove his ability.
and after that england innings, he was a permanent member of Pakistan team. But did he perform on regular basis ?
instead he hinted a couple of times that captaincy was his right bcoz of his abilities but wasn't given. And it came no surprised to me that he didn't perform well regularly after that, despite the fact that he was a regualr after his return.
And now, as the "hanging sword over his head" is removed once more, will he perform on regular basis, still remains to be seen

Haroon Alvi
on November 1, 2010, 14:07 GMT

With Pakistan playing, you can never turn off the Television.

Shaz
on November 1, 2010, 14:06 GMT

We shud also put Umar Akmal at no.3 and not in no.5 or 6. This ridiclous. We r putting young players technique under pressure when 4-5 wickets gone, they can bat naturally that time. In England that is the reason Pak failed. Good players r left only for last 10 overs when we need them to build innings. We destroyed the talent of Imran Nazir now we r destroying another one. We neglected Razzaq's position for many years but he has been most genuine match winner.

Owais
on November 1, 2010, 14:06 GMT

I think every player has his own set of insecurities so Razzaq's comment that being insecure is not helping is only partially correct. It must be the right assessment for himself as he knows himself better than others but for othersss ??? i doubt very much. We have given God knows how many undeserving opprtunities to Kamran Akmal, Imran Farhat and to some extent Mohammad Hafeez and Omar Akmal. The case of Kamran Akmal is really intriguing...how could we hold on to such pathetic keeper for so long ? And I also doubt the IQ of Waqar Younis saying that the reason for ALL our pathetic shows is because we are missing Salman Butt and Akmal ??? both of them are just "average" batters. In tests, in fact, both of them are down right pathetic. Since when Butt has become a match winner ?? Akmal's 35-40 odd every 6th innings of ODI's/T20's and every 15th test innings does not make him the rock of our batting line up.

I always give heavy mark to this wonderfull classy blaster for his batting power, no one can match him on this skill

azhar
on November 1, 2010, 14:01 GMT

Razzaq at his best..This innings did what hussy did for australia against us..However present odi team needs changing..If the ban on trio doesnt get lifted then team should be
Ahmed shehzad,kamran akmal,yunis khan,umar amin,shoaib malik,shahid afridi,abdul razzaq,wahab riaz,umar gul,saeed ajmal,shoaib akhtar...one hell of a side it will be

ARUN KUMAR
on November 1, 2010, 14:00 GMT

Imran Nazir should be included

Guru
on November 1, 2010, 13:58 GMT

while i am happy Pakistan at last won a game, it was thanks to bit of luck and hardwork by Razzaq. Luck because it was very poor bowling by the south africans i the last 4 overs. Anyone who saw these overs saw that only if they had bowled short pitch balls or bouncers Razzaq was clueless and but the next ball they gave a juicy length ball and he was just swinging!! The south africans bowlers knew what was required to ball but kept bowling just the opposite - really wierd!

SHAHZAIB RAIS
on November 1, 2010, 13:57 GMT

nice article by kamran abbasi ..... razzaq is also right that we dont utilised him properly.. he is our asset... he has played many match wiining inning.. i remember he almost got pakistan home against newzealand in odi in 2004.. he score 90 off 40 balls...
HATS OFF TO SIR ABDUL RAZZAQ

Nitin
on November 1, 2010, 13:53 GMT

Dr. Abbasi and Pakistan fans,

Congrats! It was a treat to read about Razzaq! If you guys can get replace Ijaz Butt with Imran Khan, it would be great for Pakistani cricket. Imran is a proud, honest man, who was an amazing captain. Why not give competence a chance? Good luck!

Umar Farooq Gujjar -- Millions of people with your last name here in India. Gujjars are a proud clan.

Rajiv
on November 1, 2010, 13:53 GMT

Me being an Indian, I always think Razzaq is the most underestimated player whatsoever be the reason..He is a class player and he proved yesterday that he is better than any player in the Pak squad as of now leaving aside Younis Khan..Razzak is always made a scape-goat by the Pak cricket Politics!!!

rizwan
on November 1, 2010, 13:53 GMT

@ Samir Yeshwant Hajarnis - loved your comment. thank you.

Naveed Abid
on November 1, 2010, 13:50 GMT

Well said kamran abbasi the one of the best innings i have ever seen in my life i want yousaf akmal brothers and aamir back in one day team and then in world cup we will get a place in semi final and give a tough fight.

irfan rashid
on November 1, 2010, 13:50 GMT

Razaq was always a great .he stood up mostly than others in Pak ckt.he played innings of great caliber like yesterday and in mohali where he draws a defeatable test against india.he is the most eligible contender of captaincy but was always politicalised.

Hasan Cheema !
on November 1, 2010, 13:48 GMT

it feels really good to read this article.....

Anshu
on November 1, 2010, 13:48 GMT

Congratulations to all Pakistani fans on a spectacular win. I am sure all Indian Cricket fans would like to see Pakistan remain a major force in World Cricket. Go , win the next match as well as Series now :)

Golam Kibria Tareq
on November 1, 2010, 13:45 GMT

The world cup is on the way, and every sub continental team except pakistan is looking pretty good, even Bangladesh is showing that they are not out of the count, but Pakistan is looking so much damaged!!!

Ibrahim Shaikh
on November 1, 2010, 13:44 GMT

Its amazing how many ppl suddenly realized that how big a fan they are of Abdul Razzak and how unfair the world had been with him. One great knock and he is the champion 'rare talent' again. Indeed, nothing succeeds like success.

Hina khokhar
on November 1, 2010, 13:42 GMT

I was thinking during the match only a miracle can save us and a superman can lead us to victory with this magnanimous target(no doubt its magnanimous for weak batting line like Pakistan)...and there you go ....a SUPERMAN innings....he secretly had combined powers of Jayasuriya and Afridi!

Sandesh
on November 1, 2010, 13:38 GMT

That was a heartwarming innings by Razzaq. Hope this innings will be a turning point for Pakistan cricket.

Asim Khan
on November 1, 2010, 13:36 GMT

But most of all, Pakistan fans will be grateful to the Razzler for unexpectedly lifting their spirits and reminding them why they love their team in the first place.

Very nicely summed up Kamran

mahmood
on November 1, 2010, 13:34 GMT

Razzaq though extremely talented has not performed or put in the hardwork to deserve a permanent place in the team. He used to bowl above 140k with top speed of 148k in one series but for the last 4-5 years he is only bowling at a pace which is slower than afridi's quick delivery. His fielding is lethargic and running between the wickets unacceptable. while he has the capability of hitting sixes, his batting results in failure of batsmen like fawad alam or other youngsters because he converts their 2s & 3s into 1s & 2s and due to his slow running between the wickets resulting in the youngster throwing his wicket away.

His fielding results in 10-15 extra runs, so even if fires in one out of 10 matches, he does not deserve a permanent place.

Madhar Sahib
on November 1, 2010, 13:28 GMT

I strongly accord the fact the talents like him are wasted
by pakistan.. what a treat to watch his innings. as razzak said
the players feel insecure thats the true scenario and another to
be consider worthy is imran nazir, these were all the players who
can be the match winners on their days with out others support.
the mediocre performances of players like misbah, farhat will be futile as evidenced in the recent post,./ congrats razzak

Muhammad Ismail
on November 1, 2010, 13:25 GMT

Wel done Razzaq,I am very glade to see unbeliveble win for pakistan from no where, and it comes from Razzaq He always capable to do that but some people in pak cricket dont want him to play for pakistan and since couple of year they creating hurddles for him, becuase no body in PCB authorities scincer with pakistan and pakistan cricket they only care about there own intrests and egos,here player who wining the world cup for pakistan is not allow to play for paksitan for no reasons. younus proved that in his first return match that his axe was wrong its was loss of pakistan cricket but who cares who is responsible ??
any body will questioned? answer no. now they behind akmal brothers, the whole world finalising there teams for world cup but PCB just start to exprements, in the presnt team Umer Akmal is only World class player in pakistan the pakistani fans if belive some one who can do some thing for pakistan in WC is umer akmal but PCB demolishing his confidence by droping on the eve

Zikria Adil
on November 1, 2010, 13:23 GMT

True said Mr. Kamran, I write in my earlier comments also PCB is destroying the carrier of the talented players.Now take the example of PCB they are spoiling the carrier of Umar Amin, Asad Safiq, Umar Akmal, Azahr Ali etc, by putting too much pressure on them, being a administrator you need to know that these talented buds need to be played around the seniors like Yonus Khan, Mohammed Yousuf etc.

Regarding Abdul Razzaq I don't understand why the Pakistan team management not sending him up in the order like no. 3 or 4. He is a reliable hard hitting batsmen he need time to settle. Always he is coming in the late overs and getting out. Also he is very good for the test cricket, give him a chance in place of Imran Farhat believe me it will be a very good move & he will remove the pressure from his team and transfer it to the opposition.

PCB need to learn from BCCI how they developing their player even their bench strength defeated Australians.

Umar
on November 1, 2010, 13:22 GMT

Pakistan is very much blessed with talent and an attitude which only exist in a Pakistani, what Razzaq have done till date is hard to achieve either its test saving innings in India, matching turning innings against Eng, Aus, NZ, SA, SRL, WI or Bang, he has done it 7 out of 10 times which is very impressive, this innings with no doubts is the best no matter which format you talk about, my only concern is what if Afridi and Razzaq are injured or in future they retire or may be Ijaz butt starts hating them and ban them who will replace them???

Hafiz
on November 1, 2010, 13:19 GMT

First of all congratulate to Razzler then Pakistan, this is the first time in Pakistan coming that far and win the game inorder I am afghan and have team but still when pakistan win I fell happy and if lose I fell sad so thanks Razzler once again for ur great effort.

Shahid
on November 1, 2010, 13:16 GMT

Lately I have been hearing people commenting about Razzaq not having scored a hundred or a fifty for two year But how can they expect one from him when he is relegated to No. 7 for years. He will normally come in when the match is already lost or when you need to score at 10 an over. So what can you expect. I think Razzaq should be promoted to 5 or 6 which will allow him to settle and to contribute much more than what he does today. AFRIDI must learn at least now as captain that his survival ratio is much better whenever he avoids airborn hits, bacause 2 out of 3 of his attempted sixes fall inside the boundry. Why to do that when you normally score at a very good pace with you ground shots. MISBAH IS THE PERSON WHO PUTS THE TEAM UNDER PRESSURE BY HIS VERY SLOW BATTING.

PlayfromDallas
on November 1, 2010, 13:15 GMT

Pakistan has sent shock wave to the World; if system in place in Pakistan then World would experience this shock wave persistently.

Nadir Shah
on November 1, 2010, 13:14 GMT

For the fans (which includes me), " Paiwasta reh Shajar se, umeed-e-bahar rakh". For Razzler's innings my words won't do justification, even the wet eyes won't give enough appreciation which it deserves.
I am convinced that there is enough talent in the bag and still there is plenty of time to prepare for WC. The schedule looks very pack and I worry about injuries. The only direction we can go from here is in the upward direction. Go Pakistan...

Armguhan
on November 1, 2010, 13:14 GMT

Glad to see him back in form and certainly a good article. PCB should give players more confidence for certain. Though not scoring a 50 in ODI's for 4 years is entirely his own fault. The innings yesterday might have been the best ever, considering the situation and its pressures, well done!

PS
on November 1, 2010, 13:13 GMT

Razzaq is a rare talent. I remember him removing Sachin more often and I used to fear for SRT getting out whenever he bowls to him (Ofcourse SRT outshined him later). It is pakistan's stupid cricket administration and captaincy costed him so far.

Jayanth R
on November 1, 2010, 13:12 GMT

Given to the performances of the 'top order' batsmen of Pakistan, it is unfathomable how a player of Razzaq's calibre is languishing at nos. 7 or 8. How on earth can Afridi come ahead of him?
The right position for him in the present dispensation is 3 with Younis & Yousuf to follow in both tests and ODIs. His temperament and tenacity are what Pakistan need in this hour or rebuilding.
Yet another tragedy is impending in Pakistan cricket - the players who are (what little) performing now are all in their mid 30s. The newcomers are not performing even decently enough to herald the arrival of a new Pakistan team. You see players like Younis, Yousuf, Misbah, Razzaq, Ajmal, Akhtar and finally Afridi...where are the potential replacememnts? Come on guys, the world needs a vibrant and performing Pakistan team and you owe it to yourselves and your fans...

Khurram Humayun
on November 1, 2010, 13:12 GMT

I totally agree with the article material, but would like to add for next match we shud drop very ordinary keeper/batsman Mr. Zulqarnain and we shud replace him with Umer Akmal who can keep as well. I think the innings Razaq played was one of the greatest ever in One dayers history, on sub continent wickets i think Afridi shud open to make full use of field restrictions. And for the first time Pakistan called for batting Power play at the rite time. Wishing our team all the best for remaining matches.

Srini
on November 1, 2010, 13:11 GMT

Razzaq's ability was never in doubt. He excelled with both bat and ball on several occasions before. It was his mental state that needs to be worked on. At this time, it's the batting that needs bolstering. Younis and Yousuf are clearly past their prime and we need stable, performing openers and top order. In recent times, it was the bowling that kept them in the game on competitive terms before batsmen inevitably lost them.

Noor
on November 1, 2010, 13:10 GMT

TOTALLY THE MOST AMAZING, Sensational, Thrilling and the BEST Match EVER.. Hats off to Razzaq for being THE MAN and to the rest for playing well too.

Ali
on November 1, 2010, 13:10 GMT

I was going to leave when Afridi left but being a die hard fan I stuck around cause I had little hope in Razzaq and boy I'm glad I did. That was extraordinary!

Off topic but I'm wondering about the suspended 3, will they be available for the World Cup if cleared? Cuz world cup is right up ahead and this investigation God knows how long.

HAMMAD NASIR
on November 1, 2010, 13:07 GMT

i was literally weeping last night when Pakistan came out victorious. tears of joy if be called weeping, i am ready to weep every day!!! great work razzaq.

kamidada
on November 1, 2010, 13:03 GMT

The best inning I have witnessed so far by a pakistani player.

Kaleem Ullah
on November 1, 2010, 13:03 GMT

Well written. Please write on Asad Shafiq also, he is middle order batsman but pakistan is wasting him by sending him as opener. He might prove to be our asset after yuonus khan.

Mohammad Fauad
on November 1, 2010, 13:02 GMT

very nice article....I hope last match turns out to be a turning point in Pakistan cricket

Ahsan
on November 1, 2010, 13:01 GMT

I said this yesterday during the commentary too. Pak needs to setup a system where they can groom their young players so they are ready to take high-class internaional bowlers. Fawad Alam and Umar Akmal, both have averages above 45 in first class. To be precise, U Akmal has 47, whereas Alam boasts a pretty 55. If he was in Aus, he would have been groomed to perfection. What's more, Alam is left handed, too. A class player being wasted due to lack of a proper setup.

Vinod Mangat
on November 1, 2010, 12:58 GMT

Razzaq's exhibition of clean hitting left not only South Africans but the entire audience breathless... Amazing willow work!

Syed Hassaan Ahmed
on November 1, 2010, 12:51 GMT

Wait ... wasn't this match fixed? ... NOTW anyone?

Yasser
on November 1, 2010, 12:48 GMT

Very good article and an excellent point made about how pakistan isnt utilising talented players- Razzaq needs to be played as a batsman, he needs to play up the order as a more specialist batsman who can bowl part time- he is wasted batting with the tail...he should bat above Afridi and Misbah (who shouldnt be in the ODI or T20 team).

We are wasting genuine talent, another example is Imran Nazir who keeps getting dropped after one or two poor performances despite being a batsman who can take the attack to the bowling and give pakistan an good start, we waste our time sticking with average batsmen like Imran Farhat, Mohammed Hafeez & Misbah ul Haq in the ODI and T20 format....the world cup is coming and we need to sort ourselves out if we want any chance.

umar farooq gujjar
on November 1, 2010, 12:48 GMT

nice article by kamran abbasi....no dobt razzaq has been the biggest neglect for years....i hav alwys been a great fan of razzaq...gud luck for future games...

Avais
on November 1, 2010, 12:36 GMT

Heartiest congratulations to the Pakistan Team and Fans. This was truly a magnificent innings by Razzaq - one for which I haven't been able to find the right words to this moment. Although I was cursing myself for having wasted so much time when Pakistan were 140 odd for 5 and was tempted to switch the tv off but I couldn't help but feel that Pakistan would win the game. There was something about Razzaq's body language and his facial expressions that kept me glued to my seat. As far as the role of the effect of the elements outside the team is concerned..you are spot on! PCB creates more problems than it solves and this has been the case for as long as my memory goes. I think its high time that PCB saw a complete overhaul, top to bottom, inside out!!!..Its good to see Hafeez playing some glorious strokes as well. Not to mention chipping in with wickets when they matter the most. Excellent bowling in PP overs yesterday. I hope this time around he'll cement his spot in the team as well..

Muhammad Tayyab
on November 1, 2010, 12:25 GMT

the only blame goes to pakistan cricket board as a true fan of pakistani team i cant understand the policies of current board officials why they r afraid of putting young talent in the team?why they victimise greats like younas and razzak?i cant understand what they want to do with pak cricket
all credit to razzak who has given a knock out punch on the face of MR. Butt

shahid aslam
on November 1, 2010, 12:10 GMT

You are right dear! I suggest he should be played as No. 3 batsman in ODIs and T20s.

SAK
on November 1, 2010, 12:10 GMT

Razak is right in his thinking about player,s insecurity. But who brought this insecurity,the players themselves,by pulling legs of each other. They always come good,playing for Pak rather than themselves. Nobody in the world can under estimate the immense talent,pak is having but it,s a pity that we have not been able to ensure persistent replenishment of such talent in our team because of ill policies of PCB/management. Furthermore the security situation in our country didn,t help our cricket at all. Still it is commendable that Pak managed to beat the top teams in the game this season. Pak beat Aus,Eng & SA. Consistency can only be ensured if player,s insecurity is removed & chances are provided to players,which is not the case unfortunately.

Khuram Khan
on November 1, 2010, 12:04 GMT

All said and done there are deficiencies in captaincy.Inspite of playing SA in now four games Afridi does not have a plan for key SA batsmen like Ingram.Had he used his head Ingram would have been in Pavilion much sooner than after 100.It was one man's(Abdul Razak)calculated approach which brought victory.Hope other batsmen show better sense next time and Afridi is shown the video of SA batting repeatedly.

aftab
on November 1, 2010, 11:53 GMT

Those Cricket fans who followed ICL know a few damning things about Cricket authorities worldwide.
As for Razzaq, it gave him the remaining gears, to take it from Inzimam's comments, and a leadership quality that he didn't have before. Also, it created a way of generating unlimited money on which every board will ultimately be capitalizing.

Adeel Hasan
on November 1, 2010, 11:31 GMT

Very well-written! In total agreement with Mr. Abbasi.

Samir Yeshwant Hajarnis, India
on November 1, 2010, 11:29 GMT

Now that's the Pakistan we remember..... welcome back.

No featured comments at the moment.

Samir Yeshwant Hajarnis, India
on November 1, 2010, 11:29 GMT

Now that's the Pakistan we remember..... welcome back.

Adeel Hasan
on November 1, 2010, 11:31 GMT

Very well-written! In total agreement with Mr. Abbasi.

aftab
on November 1, 2010, 11:53 GMT

Those Cricket fans who followed ICL know a few damning things about Cricket authorities worldwide.
As for Razzaq, it gave him the remaining gears, to take it from Inzimam's comments, and a leadership quality that he didn't have before. Also, it created a way of generating unlimited money on which every board will ultimately be capitalizing.

Khuram Khan
on November 1, 2010, 12:04 GMT

All said and done there are deficiencies in captaincy.Inspite of playing SA in now four games Afridi does not have a plan for key SA batsmen like Ingram.Had he used his head Ingram would have been in Pavilion much sooner than after 100.It was one man's(Abdul Razak)calculated approach which brought victory.Hope other batsmen show better sense next time and Afridi is shown the video of SA batting repeatedly.

SAK
on November 1, 2010, 12:10 GMT

Razak is right in his thinking about player,s insecurity. But who brought this insecurity,the players themselves,by pulling legs of each other. They always come good,playing for Pak rather than themselves. Nobody in the world can under estimate the immense talent,pak is having but it,s a pity that we have not been able to ensure persistent replenishment of such talent in our team because of ill policies of PCB/management. Furthermore the security situation in our country didn,t help our cricket at all. Still it is commendable that Pak managed to beat the top teams in the game this season. Pak beat Aus,Eng & SA. Consistency can only be ensured if player,s insecurity is removed & chances are provided to players,which is not the case unfortunately.

shahid aslam
on November 1, 2010, 12:10 GMT

You are right dear! I suggest he should be played as No. 3 batsman in ODIs and T20s.

Muhammad Tayyab
on November 1, 2010, 12:25 GMT

the only blame goes to pakistan cricket board as a true fan of pakistani team i cant understand the policies of current board officials why they r afraid of putting young talent in the team?why they victimise greats like younas and razzak?i cant understand what they want to do with pak cricket
all credit to razzak who has given a knock out punch on the face of MR. Butt

Avais
on November 1, 2010, 12:36 GMT

Heartiest congratulations to the Pakistan Team and Fans. This was truly a magnificent innings by Razzaq - one for which I haven't been able to find the right words to this moment. Although I was cursing myself for having wasted so much time when Pakistan were 140 odd for 5 and was tempted to switch the tv off but I couldn't help but feel that Pakistan would win the game. There was something about Razzaq's body language and his facial expressions that kept me glued to my seat. As far as the role of the effect of the elements outside the team is concerned..you are spot on! PCB creates more problems than it solves and this has been the case for as long as my memory goes. I think its high time that PCB saw a complete overhaul, top to bottom, inside out!!!..Its good to see Hafeez playing some glorious strokes as well. Not to mention chipping in with wickets when they matter the most. Excellent bowling in PP overs yesterday. I hope this time around he'll cement his spot in the team as well..

umar farooq gujjar
on November 1, 2010, 12:48 GMT

nice article by kamran abbasi....no dobt razzaq has been the biggest neglect for years....i hav alwys been a great fan of razzaq...gud luck for future games...

Yasser
on November 1, 2010, 12:48 GMT

Very good article and an excellent point made about how pakistan isnt utilising talented players- Razzaq needs to be played as a batsman, he needs to play up the order as a more specialist batsman who can bowl part time- he is wasted batting with the tail...he should bat above Afridi and Misbah (who shouldnt be in the ODI or T20 team).

We are wasting genuine talent, another example is Imran Nazir who keeps getting dropped after one or two poor performances despite being a batsman who can take the attack to the bowling and give pakistan an good start, we waste our time sticking with average batsmen like Imran Farhat, Mohammed Hafeez & Misbah ul Haq in the ODI and T20 format....the world cup is coming and we need to sort ourselves out if we want any chance.